[Economic criminality. Problems of definition and lines of research]

After reviewing the many proposed definitions of economic criminality, which are now very numerous in specialized literature, and after considering the various critical attitudes assumed on this point by the most qualified experts on the subject, the Authors state that it is absolutely indispensable to establish an appropriate definition on which an aggreement can be reached. In fact, without such a definition it is impossible to deal with the object of interest and therefore to make any progress with the research, the legislation and the measures necessary for the prevention and repression of economic criminality. If this problem of economic criminality is discussed at the various national and international levels without the aforementioned definition, this is an indication that a popular intuition has been formed which is able to distinguish the object of interest. The most suitable lines of research are indicated in order to establish and clarify the elements of such an intuition which the Authors consider in a hypothetical light.